Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise device including a shaft and a pair of movable sleeves positioned about opposite ends of the shaft. Each sleeve includes a handle rotatably mounted to the sleeve. The shaft includes a detent device associated with at least one sleeve. The detent device permits that sleeve to be releasably positioned along the shaft and for the position of the sleeve to be selectively changed so that the spacing between the handles may be changed. The sleeve may also be rotatable about the shaft while held longitudinally by the detent device. The handles may be rotated about members extending generally perpendicular to a centerline of the shaft and the members may be received within bushings in a wall of the sleeve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/818,498, entitled EXERCISE APPARATUS, filed on Jul. 5, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to exercise and conditioning equipment of the type used for developing and maintaining range of motion, flexibility, elasticity and general muscle toning.

BACKGROUND

There is an abundance of exercise apparatus available to meet the needs of almost any activity one might wish to undertake. Most of these exercise apparatuses serve to build, strengthen and tone muscles. Where the presently available devices fail to meet the needs of exercisers is with regard to range of motion and guiding apparatuses for increasing the range of motion and flexibility, and for rehabilitation from limitations of range or motion due to injury or aging.

Improvement to existing exercise equipment are desirable to address these and other limitations that will be discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an exercise device including a shaft and a pair of movable sleeves positioned about opposite ends of the shaft. Each sleeve includes a handle rotatably mounted to the sleeve. The shaft includes a detent device associated with at least one sleeve. The detent device permits that sleeve to be releasably positioned along the shaft and for the position of the sleeve to be selectively changed so that the spacing between the handles may be changed. The sleeve may also be rotatable about the shaft while held longitudinally by the detent device. The handles may be rotated about pivot pins extending generally perpendicular to a centerline of the shaft and the pins may be received within bushings in a wall of the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the figures is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gripping attachment of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 disassembled and placed in a travel case.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 configured for use with free weights.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2, configured for use as a resilient resistance device.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a third embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of one end of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of an end of a shaft of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the end of the shaft of FIG. 9, rotated approximately ninety degrees.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 with a weight positioned about the apparatus and weighted end caps.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 7, with two resistance bands attached.

FIG. P1 is a photograph showing a fourth embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. P2 is a photograph of the exercise apparatus of FIG. P1 being employed to extend the range of motion of the shoulders and wrists by rotating the grips while the arms are extended downward and to the rear.

FIG. P3 is a photograph of the exercise apparatus of FIG. P1 being employed to extend the range of motion of the arms and shoulders by manipulating the apparatus behind the back.

FIG. P4 is a photograph of the exercise apparatus of FIG. P1 being employed to extend the range of motion of the arms and wrists by rotating the grips while the arms are extended downward and forward.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present invention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring now to FIG. 1, exercise apparatus 1 constitutes a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and includes a shaft 2 with a longitudinal centerline 3, a first end 4, and a second end 5. A first gripping attachment or handle 6 is mounted to first end 4 and a second gripping attachment or handle 7 is mounted to second end 5. Handles 6 and 7 are rotatably mounted to ends 4 and 5, respectively, by pivot pins 8 which have an axis 9 generally perpendicular to centerline 3 and extending generally radially outward from the centerline. Handles 6 and 7 are rotatable about pins 8 and axes 9. As shown, handles 6 and 7 may include gripping portions 11 which may be rotatably mounted to and define an outer portion of handles 6 and 7. These gripping portions 11 may be rotatably mounted to handles 6 and 7 by a pin 12. Pins 12 may define a centerline 13 which may be generally perpendicular to axes 9.

As shown in FIGS. P1 to P4, apparatus 1 provides spaced apart grips that can be rotated to position the arms and wrists so as to comfortably stretch and rotate and flex the muscles and joints of the arms and upper body either symmetrically of the body or asymmetrically.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, exercise apparatus 21 is a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and includes an adjustable length shaft 22 having a first end 23 and a second end 24, a first gripping attachment 25 detachedly mounted to first end 23 and a second gripping attachment 26 detachedly mounted to second end 24. Gripping attachments 25 and 26 each include a handle 27. Each handle 27 is rotatably mounted to the gripping attachments and rotatable about an axis 30 of a mounted pin 31.

Shaft 22 includes a pair of sleeves 90 and 92 longitudinally moveable with respect to each other along a centerline of the shaft, with one sleeve 92 received within the other sleeve 90. The inner sleeve 92 includes a resiliently biased pin 35 which may be received within one of a plurality of holes 36 of sleeve 90. Disengaging pin 35 of the inner sleeve 92 from the presently engaged hole 36 and moving it to another of the plurality of holes 36 permits the length of sleeve 90 to be altered to a desired spacing between handles 27. In addition, each gripping attachment 25 and 26 may also include a shaft portion 94 with a resiliently biased pin 35. The shaft portion 94 of the gripping attachment may be inserted within one of the sleeves of shaft 22 at one of the first or second ends until the pin 35 of the gripping attachment engages one of the holes 36, such as the outermost hole 36.

In addition to permitting adjustment of the overall length, disengaging pins 35 from holes 36 permit the gripping attachments to be removed from the shaft and for the sleeves of the shaft to be collapsed to a shortest length for packing or storage. As shown in FIG. 4, the various pieces of apparatus 21 can be detached from each other and stored within a case 37.

It should be further understood that the grips and shafts of the apparatus of this disclosure can be adapted for use as components of free weights, resilient resistance exercise apparatus and the like. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, components of apparatus 21 have been adapted for use as part of conventional exercise apparatus. FIG. 5 illustrates sections of shaft 22 that have been separated to serve as grips for free weights 40. FIG. 6 illustrates grips 25 and 26 having been converted to grips for an elastic cord opposition force exercise apparatus 41.

Referring now to FIG. 7, exercise apparatus 100 comprises a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and includes a shaft 102 with a first sleeve 104 mounted about a first end 106 and a second sleeve 108 mounted about a second end 110. Each sleeve 104 and 108 includes a handle 112 mounted adjacent a respective outer end. Each handle 112 is rotatably mounted to one of the sleeves and rotates about a pivot that is generally perpendicular to an axis 98 of shaft 102 and sleeves 104 and 108. A cuff 118 may be mounted about an inner end of each sleeve and may be made of a resilient material to reduce rattling between the shaft and sleeves. End caps 120 may be provided on outer ends of the sleeves and made of a softer, more resilient material to cushion the ends and also may eliminate some noise during use of the apparatus. Each sleeve 104 and 108 may include a plurality of openings 114 to receive a releasable pin 116 extending outward from shaft 102.

Referring now to FIG. 8, first sleeve 104 and first end 106 are illustrated in a cross-sectional view. Sleeve 104 includes an outer end 122 to which end cap 120 is mounted. First end 106 of shaft 102 is received within sleeve 104 through an inner end 124 of sleeve 104. Cuff 118 is mounted to inner end 124 about shaft 102 adjacent a central portion 126 of shaft 102. Central portion 126 extends between sleeves 104 and 108. Also inserted within the ends 106 and 110 of shaft 102 is an inner end cap 140. Each end cap 140 is positioned within an end of shaft 102 and includes an outer portion 142 that is sized slightly larger than an outer diameter of shaft 102. Outer portion 142 engages an inner wall 144 of sleeves 104 and 108 to reduce the sound of the shaft and sleeves moving relative to each other and absorb vibrations that might otherwise generate unwanted noise or vibrations.

Handle 112 is mounted to sleeve 104 adjacent outer end 122 and pivots about a member 128 extending generally perpendicularly to centerline or axis 98. Preferably, member 128 is received within an insert 130 that is mounted within an opening through sleeve 104. Insert 130 provides a more uniform point of rotation for handle 112 than merely extending member 128 through the wall of sleeve 104 and allows for smoother rotation and manipulation of the handle during use. Handle 112 may be mounted or connected to member 128 by a bushing or other rotatable bearing arrangement to aid in the smooth and easy movement of the handle. It is anticipated that member 128 may be a pin, a bolt, a hollow pin or sleeve, or any suitable member that provides an acceptable axis of rotation for handle 112 and an adequate level of rigidity to resist undesirable deflection during use.

Pin 116 is mounted to a spring 117 that rests within a hollow interior of shaft 102. As shown also in FIG. 9, spring 117 presses against an inner surface 132 within an interior 133 of shaft 102 and urges pin 116 through an opposite side of shaft 102. Spring 117 is preferably made of a resilient, durable and deformable material, such as spring steel or some other suitable metallic or non-metallic material. It is anticipated that pin 116 may be made integrally with spring 117 or may be separate part which is mounted or assembled to spring 117.

Pin 116 extends from interior 133 of shaft 102 through an opening 134 in a wall 136 of shaft 102. In a preferred embodiment, opening 134 is elongated circumferentially along wall 136 and spring 117/pin 116 is preferably slidably mounted within shaft 102 and movable rotationally along inner surface 132. So configured, when pin 116 engages one of the openings 114 of a sleeve positioned about the shaft, the sleeve is generally fixed longitudinally but permitted a certain amount of rotation movement relative to the shaft. As shown, opening 134 is shaped to permit up to approximately seventy-five degrees of rotational movement. By permitting each sleeve to move up to seventy-five degrees, a total relative rotational movement of the sleeve of up to approximately one-hundred and fifty degrees of handles 112 is possible. Such relative rotational movement of the sleeves and handles may greatly enhance the utility of exercise apparatus 100.

In certain uses for exercise apparatus 100, it may also be desirable to fix both the length or distance between handles 112 as well as the rotational positions of the handles, such as by preventing the sleeve to which the handle is attached from rotating about shaft 102. This may be accomplished by having pin 116 extend through wall 136 via a hole closely sized to match the size of the pin instead of being elongated. Such an opening might be sized similarly to openings 114. Such an opening would prevent any significant degree of relative movement between the sleeve and the shaft. Alternatively, instead of having opening 134 shaped to permit movement of pin 116/spring 117 within shaft 102, one or more openings 114 may be elongated to permit movement of the sleeve without pin 116 moving relative to shaft 102.

It is anticipated that shaft 102, sleeve 104 and/or sleeve 108 may be weighted so that device 100 may enhance certain stretching and exercise movements by a user. It is also anticipated that end caps 120 may be removable or replaceable with weighted end caps to permit use of device 100 with or without added weighting. As shown above, it is also anticipated that device 100 may be adaptable to use with more conventional free weights fitted about the shaft or sleeves.

Shaft 102 may be selected from a variety of lengths to match the size and ability or flexibility of the intended user, or to match the exercise routine employed to a particular sport, exercise or mobility enhancement goal. A resilient exercise device, such as a stretch or elastic cord may be attached to device 100 or to different components thereof to enhance exercise achieved through manipulation of the device by a user. As shown in the FIGS., the exercise device according to the present invention may be disassembled to incorporate use with weights or elastic cords, or the device may be used intact with weights or elastic cords to enhance the use of the device by a user. As shown in FIG. 11, device 100 may have a weight, such as a conventional plate 200 positioned about shaft 102. It is also anticipated that weighted end caps 202 or weighted extensions may be used in place of end caps 120. It is further anticipated that weight may be added internally within shaft 102 or within sleeves 104 or 108. As shown in FIG. 12, a resistance band 204 may be attached to shaft 102 or adjacent handles 112.

It is anticipated that devices according to the present disclosure may be used to aid in stretching and exercise for specific sports where trunk, arm, wrist and shoulder mobility are important, such as but not limited to golf or tennis. It is also anticipated that devices according to the present disclosure may prove effective in the rehabilitation of users who have suffered motion or movement limiting injuries or surgeries to these same body regions. Such rehabilitation and exercise uses may be of particular aid to users who have suffered loss of mobility or range of movement through lack of use or inactivity or through aging.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. Thus, it is recognized that those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations, modifications, and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the invention, and should not limit the scope of the invention set forth in the following claims. 

1. An exercise device comprising: a shaft with a first end and a second opposite end; a first movable sleeve mounted about the first end and a second movable sleeve mounted about the second end, the sleeves movable longitudinally and rotationally about the ends of the shaft; a first handle mounted to the first sleeve and a second handle mounted to the second sleeve, the handles extending generally radially from the sleeves and movable about a generally radial axis; at least one detent mechanism mounted within the shaft, each detent mechanism associated with one of the sleeves and configured to releasably engage a detent receiving opening of the associated sleeve to hold the sleeve at a specific longitudinal position along the shaft; the sleeve associated with each detent mechanism having a plurality of detent receiving openings to position the sleeve at a plurality of longitudinal positions along the shaft.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising the detent mechanism including a pin extending through a wall of the shaft and engaging one of the detent receiving openings of the sleeve, the pin being sufficiently radially displaceable into the shaft to remove the pin from engagement with the detent receiving opening and to permit longitudinal movement of the sleeve along the shaft.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the pin extends through an opening in the wall of the shaft and is connected to a spring within the interior of the shaft, the spring pressing against an inner surface of the interior and urging the pin outward through the shaft opening.
 4. The exercise device of claim 3, further comprising each detent mechanism permitting rotation of the associated sleeve relative to the shaft.
 5. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the opening through the wall of the shaft is elongated circumferentially about the shaft, the pin extends radially from a centerline of the shaft and the pin is movable circumferentially about the centerline within the elongated opening.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each of the handles is rotatably mounted to the sleeves and pivotable about a member extending generally perpendicular to a centerline of the shaft.
 7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein each of the members extends through a wall of one of the sleeves and is received within a bushing mounted to the sleeve, and the handles are rotatable in a full circle about the member.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each sleeve includes an inner end through which the shaft is received and a cuff mounted to the inner end of each sleeve about the shaft, the cuff made from a resilient material to dampen vibration and sound.
 9. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising each sleeve including an outer end adjacent the handle and an end cap mounted to the outer end of each sleeve.
 10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the shaft is weighted.
 11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sleeves is weighted.
 12. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a resistance band.
 13. An exercise device comprising: a first movable sleeve and a second movable sleeve, the sleeves defining a centerline and each including a handle movably mounted, the sleeves holding the handles at a desired spaced apart distance; a detent mechanism associated with each sleeve permitting the sleeve to be moved longitudinally along the centerline to alter the spacing of the handles; the handles movable by rotation about an axis extending generally perpendicular to the centerline.
 14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein at least one of the sleeves is slidably received about the other sleeve and a single detent mechanism is associated with both of the sleeves.
 15. The exercise device of claim 13, further comprising a shaft with first and second opposite ends and each sleeve received about one of the ends of the shaft, the shaft including a detent mechanism adjacent each end which releasably engages the sleeve positioned about the end.
 16. The exercise device of claim 13, further comprising each handle rotatably mounted to its associated sleeve by a pin extending through a wall of the sleeve.
 17. The exercise device of claim 16, further comprising an insert embedded within the wall of the sleeve to which the pin is connected.
 18. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the detent device includes a displaceable pin which extends through and engages an opening in the associated sleeve to releasably secure the sleeve at a desired longitudinal position.
 19. The exercise device of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced pin receiving openings in the sleeve associated with the detent device.
 20. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the detent device is configured releasably secure the associated sleeve to position the handles at a desired spacing and permit relative rotational movement of the sleeves with respect to each other about the centerline. 